We have a brief window of opportunity to save Idaho salmon from extinction | Opinion

Salmon

We have a brief window of opportunity to save Idaho’s salmon from extinction.

President Biden has signed a Presidential Memorandum “to prioritize the restoration of healthy and abundant wild salmon, steelhead and other native fish populations to the Columbia River Basin.”

Idaho’s salmon come farther and higher than any salmon on earth, to a cold water refuge that gives them a chance for recovery if we act now. These iconic fish leave as small fingerlings and return to their home waters 900 miles inland, up 7,000 feet, over eight dams, bringing the Pacific ocean nutrients to the Sawtooth ecosystem. At a return rate of just 1-2%, however, they are on a rapid path to extinction.

The science is clear: Removing the four lower Snake River dams and optimal spill at the four Columbia dams could restore them to their early 1970s average. The Presidential Memorandum would be delivered upon, as would the tribes’ fishing and hunting rights, and Congressman Mike Simpson’s salmon plan ensures mitigation of any loss of dam services.

Please call the White House at 202-456-1111 and thank the administration for their words, but tell them that NOW it is time for ACTION.

Ann Christensen, Sun Valley

Simison

In this crazy political environment, being involved and informed is so important. I supported Robert Simison four years ago and again this year. “There is more to do” is his battle cry. Our mayor has much to be proud of from his first four years, but there is more work to be done. We need to make continued strategic investments to address our challenges related to public safety, transportation, family wage jobs and work with our schools; every effort is needed to remain connected and thriving as a community as we grow responsibly.

Meridian has been growing, the electorate has been changing, and for the first time City Council members will be elected by districts in the 2023 election. There is an extreme group working hard to create chaos even at the local level. They claim to bring transparency but just try to find information about these candidates. They claim a lot of things, but antagonizing doesn’t solve anything. Vote for problem solvers not problem makers — keep Meridian, Meridian!

Tammy De Weerd, Meridian

Meridian mayor

I am proud to endorse Robert Simison to be re-elected as the mayor of Meridian. I know Mayor Simison to be tuned in to the desires of his constituents, is a great listener and promotes deep public outreach. His opponent, Mike Hon, does not. Mike Hon promotes nothing but his own agenda. Mayor Simison promotes the values of free speech, transparency and full disclosure to the public. Mike Hon does not. While Mike Hon does his best to thwart what the vast majority of parents wish for their children in his attempts to close public libraries by an inaccurate public campaign, Mayor Simison considers a free and open library system as essential for everyone. I know from personal experience how determined Mayor Simison is to partner with other agencies such as ACHD to create a much better flow of traffic including a new overpass over I-84 at Linder Rd, currently in design. Please vote to re-elect Mayor Robert Simison.

Kent Goldthorpe, Meridian

Stead

Boise City Councilmember Meredith Stead is the experienced, dedicated public servant we need in Council District 5. Meredith Stead’s integrity, courage, expertise, and years of service to the City of Boise are the primary reasons I support her campaign.

Meredith Stead’s commitment to our community runs deep. With nearly six years of experience serving as a commissioner for Planning and Zoning, Meredith was able to hit the ground running when she was appointed to serve the remainder of former Councilmember Holli Woodings’ term. Meredith’s understanding of the municipal process will be essential, especially given the newness of the incoming council. I know that she has the courage to defend the values we share in her steadfast pursuit to create a clean, safe, sustainable city for everyone.

For all of these reasons and more, I support Meredith Stead for Boise City Council in District 5. If you live in District 5, I urge you to vote for Meredith. Your vote will matter in this important local election!

Sam Sandmire, Boise